The final bit was the easiest. Stripping away the dermis, Steve wrapped the exposed tissue in the cold flesh. A makeshift cast of 100% real human skin! Once more, Ryland began to funnel in that energy and the loose flesh tightened. Outside of a few new tattoos, it looks just like Ryland’s old arm.
“WOW, that was amazing yo!” Ryland crouched down next to his friend. The two watched as the zombie began to test the new and improved arm.
Just then, Steve heard The Will pop into his brain.
Congratulations…
—-‐—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great job helping your new BFF! For your skills in battle and great surgical skills you have advanced to level 6! Choose your skills wisely.
“Oh I leveled!” Steve was a bit shocked to rank up so soon.
“Me too!” Ryland called back
“DON'T YOU BOYS FORGET ABOUT ME!”
Steve turned, Ryland turned, and the zombie just…ate. This wasn’t good, Ryland rushed to grab some dirt while Steve went for his dagger. If word got out that Steve had a undead pet, it would be over. How the hell was he still alive? He was launched clear across the field! How much had he’d seen…maybe they could explain it was a recently reanimated body due to the bloodshed. Still, they’d have to come up with a reason to take it back. So many thoughts rushed through his brain as various plans began to form. The old man must have noticed the distress and let off a billowing laugh.
“You have so many surprises! I thought you’d be dead for sure after that fight but I think you are even crazier then I” He limped forward holding onto his arm. While not dead, the wreck had done a lot of damage.
“Oh stop being a worry wart and put that knife away. We all have secrets and those cults don’t have sway this deep in the woods.”
Steve loosened his grip and shook his head. Not everything had to be a battle, maybe they could talk this out.
“But a [Necromancer]....wooo that is a doozy. Here I thought you were just a cleaner. But never did I think I’d have a [Necromancer] on bored. No wonder that priest caught your scent, how the hell you escape em anyway? You are either extremely lucky, powerful, or stupid. I’d reckon a bit of all three based on that last fight…”
“Wait what? How did you know?” Steve responded.
“Oh boy, I think you’z more stupid then the others now. I’m a driver! Knowing my cargo is half the job. You don’t think I can’t tell a corpse from some grain?” He smiled, lips bloodied and a few teeth missing.
“However, I wasn’t expecting to see THAT” He pointed at the feasting zombie. After a moment of curious staring he continued.
“Sides, it wouldn't be the first underhand package. Since saving…most of my cargo. Let's split the gold and I never saw a thing. Deal?” He held out a hand.
Steve paused, he really didn't like loose ends but he was in no shape to fight. Glancing over, Ryland shrugged.
“Fine deal”
“Great, now uhh. Think you could do something to help with this?” He lifted his arm and the limb bent in unnatural ways.
The thing was so damaged it looked like a wet noodle. Both Ryland and Steve just stared, that man should be screaming. But instead he just shook it a bit, the arm undulating from the movement.
“Ok stop that” Steve was sickened from watching the grotesque display. Bits of blood trickled down the flesh and he swore that some bone poked through.
“What can’t handle a bit of blood? This aint nothing compared to some other fights. You wanna see the scars?” he pulled up his shirt and there was a jagged wound crossing his abs. .
Both men stared, mouth agape.
“I…ok, let me see what I can do” Steve motioned for Roadie to lay by the fire.
Grabbing his tools, he carefully prodded and poked the bruised flesh. Already it was starting to swell from internal injuries. Closing his eyes, he felt up the arm. A cold chill ran down his spine as the bone creaked from the pressure. With a general idea of where the breaks occurred, he began to push and shove them into place. A bit of warm blood spurted out and splattered his arm.
“Oh fuck” He turned and heaved. It was disgusting, he could feel each pulse of the driver.
“Why are you so squeamish, it's just a little blood? Come now, you are a [Necromancer] right? Get a hold of yourself lad.” Roadie looked at Steve strangely.
“SEE I TOLD YOU IT'S WEIRD” Ryland echoed
“Shut UP! IT'S BETTER WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY DEAD. I DIDN’T TAKE A [DOCTOR] CLASS FOR A REASON” He countered with such force that even the night critters went silence.
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“Lad, you ok there? Who you talking too? It was just a lil joke…” Roadie was starting to regret the deal. This man was talking with imaginary friends.
Steve paused and took a deep breath. He was still jittered from the fight and was suffering from mana burn. Wiping the spittle from his lips, he spoke.
“Sorry about that, just still a bit shocked from earlier…” He really wasn’t in the position to explain that ghosts were real.
“Ahh, all good. When we get to town, let Roadie buy you a good meal. Nothing quenches the jitters like a meat pie and cheap ale!” He showed that toothy smile once again.
“Thanks, I could REALLY go for that” It was true, All he wanted to do was sleep and forget about these tribulations.
Focusing up, he continued to set the bone. With the tip of his knife, he cut open a small channel to the breaks. Grabbing the healing potions, he carefully poured a bit into the open wound. The restorative liquid melded the bone back together and began to heal the muscle. It wasn’t pretty, but it stopped the bleed. Threading his needles, he sewed the skin tight and wrapped the wound in thick cloth. Repeating it a few more times, he finished mending the arm as best he could.
“Bone is brittle, but in a few months should be passable. I'd get a healer to correct any mistakes but this will keep it from getting worse” Steve wiped the sweat from his brow and sat.
“Thanks for that. Here I thought you’d give me some wild lich arm or just stitch on a new one. Sure you still can’t do that? I’d love to get some muscle like that one there.” He joked while pointed at the one-armed leader.
Steve wasn’t in the mood for jokes, instead he just collapsed onto the ground. Healing that man had used up the last bits of his reserve. All that fatigue deadened the limbs and he fell into a deep sleep. Immediately Ryland panicked, he pressed on the bond and prepped for another fight. That was his only ticket to salvation and he didn’t fully trust Roadie. His body felt the waves of emotion and turned towards the driver. Those cloudy eyes staring deep into the soul. Roadie slowly raised his hand and took a step back.
“Easy now, he just getting some zzz's I'll watch”
Ryland watched the man like a hawk. He wanted to make sure there wasn’t a sneak attack of some kind. Besides, he didn’t really need sleep unlike Steve. Sure it was good to rest, but as long as he had his deathly magics, he could go on forever. He just continued to observe Roadie as the driver began to salvage what he could. The man muttered curses as he tried to reseal his cargo. Most of the boxes were damaged beyond repair from the bandits busting into them. Still, he was able to retrieve about half of their initial shipment.
With the goods secured, he began to untangle his cart from the pile. It took a few attempts as he could only use one hand, but after a bit he was able to pile up the pieces. With care, he did his best to fix what he could. What he couldn’t repair, he set down in roughly the correct place. Taking a step back, he did one final check before placing his hand onto the wreckage. He whispered.
“[Won't Be Pretty, But'll do]” and his body buckled from the skill drain.
He wasn't lying to Steve, he’d do many shady runs and this skill was a result of that. It was his level 25 capstone skill, while not super powerful it was extremely flexible. IT could create a quick getaway vehicle, emergency repairs in a pinch, or help somebody in need while on the road. Heck, sometimes he’d charge and make some spare cash on the side. While his skin went cold, the cart began to fuse together. The amount of energy drained was proportional to the job required. Sure he could create a cart out of thin air, but that would kill em. Instead it was best used on a broken thing or something relatively similar to a wagon. Unfortunately, that was all the skill really did. It wasn’t a complete repair, instead it just gave the bare minimum. There were no cushioned seats, no hinged doors, nor hooks for strapping in goods. Instead it was basically a wooden box on basic wheels. But’ll do.
It was a bit annoying as he’d have to pay for upgrades once again. That magical cushion kept his ass warm on the coldest nights. While the bandit’s gold would still be a bit of a profit, it wouldn’t get him the magical seat-warmer. Still, least he was still alive–even if it was with such strange company. Putting his fingers into his mouth, he exhaled into a high pitched whistle. Instantly his horses rushed back to his location. Grabbing some grains, he fed his family and strapped them back into the harness. With his cart fixed up, he loaded up the rest of the cargo. With only one-arm, he was thankful to have put a few skill points into [Haul]. That bit of extra strength allowed him to carry even the heaviest boxes one handed. Satisfied with the work, he walked back to the snoring [Necromancer] and gave him a poke.
“Wake up sleepyhead. We got a deadline to meet. Hope you enjoyed that beautyrest”
Steve groaned as he slowly stirred. His eyes were bloodshot and every muscle ached. Grabbing Roadie’s arm, he carefully stood and stretched. Roadie gave him a bit of water and some jerky to calm the rumbling tummy.
“Thanks again, I owe you a lot” Steve spit a bit as he rinsed his mouth.
“Could always give me the full bandit share”
“Not that much…”
“Hey can’t blame a old man for trying” Roadie let out a billow laugh.
The booming voice only intensified the headache and he winced in pain.
“Oops, forgot you went through hell tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll not talk your ears off. But, I do need you to handle that” He pointed at the zombie wandering the fields. The thing was sampling each corpse like grazers at a charcuterie board
“Oh yeah, hang on I’ll get it” He dusted off his shirt and slowly walked towards the creature.
It took a bit of teamwork, but Ryland and Steve were able to calm the creature. Grabbing a crate, Steve baited the container with the chewy ears.
“Come on, get it boy!” He said, tossing a few treats along the grass.
“Steve, do we have to do it like this. I mean, it’s a night beast not some playful pup”
“Shh! I’m the [Necromancer] and this is how I do it” Steve really needed to get some form of command undead skill. Herding Ryland’s body was always a struggle.
Finally, the creature climbed into the crate and Steve quickly sealed the top.
“Think you can keep it calm till we find a spot?”
“Yeah, he’s full. Not much else on it’s mind right now”
“Good, no more surprises please. Two meetings with Deas is enough for my life” Steve said.
“Agreed” Ryland replied
Roadie helped Steve load the zombie crate. With everything settled, the two climbed into the front. Ryland hopped into the back and then they were off. Roadie said they were still a few hours out from the village. But if he burned through his last few skills, they’d be there right at sunrise. Steve nodded and closed his eyes.
With a few hours on the road, he’d be able to review his soulboard and wanted to spend his new skillpoint wisely. Dazing off, the various displays appeared and he gasped at the top. He hadn’t gained just one skillpoint, but two.